Situation is that I'm living in emergency bed and breakfast accomodation supplied by the council. I pay an all inclusive amount for my rent to the council. Where I live is run by a letting agent who've been sub-contracted by the council. They have not paid the water rates to Thames Water for over two years. Now Thames Water are taking me to court for the money! I've gone to the council and complained but even still the letting agents haven't paid Thames Water. All help would be greatly appreciated.

Do you have the original paperwork that shows the amount you pay covers this water too?

If so, it might sound strange, but letting them take you to court is probably the best option. Once in court, you show that as evidence - perhaps you could add some pazzazz to events by shouting TADAAAA !! - and job done.

Also worth noting here that water bills are no longer any different from ordinary consumer debt. Even if it turned out that you do owe this money then assuming that you are on a low income, you will be paying very little a month.

Unfortunately this wont necessarily work. Although I can prove that I pay an all-inclusive amount to the council the Water Industries Act 1991 makes the Occupier legally responsible for the payment of water rates. IE if Thames Water aren't paid by the council (or in this case the sub contracted agency) then they are entitled to take the Occupier to court.

Unfortunately this wont necessarily work. Although I can prove that I pay an all-inclusive amount to the council the Water Industries Act 1991 makes the Occupier legally responsible for the payment of water rates. IE if Thames Water aren't paid by the council (or in this case the sub contracted agency) then they are entitled to take the Occupier to court.

Then the occupier can then take the council to court for breach of contract (failing to provide inclusive water) and offset any additional costs to them. You should not end up out of pocket.

Contact your council and ask them for the name of your local councillor so that you can speak to him/ her. If that doesn't work, then make a complaint to the Local Government Ombudsman.

This topic was closed on 10 March 2019.

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